Some have no smell or taste, are soluble in water and can cause an acute reaction within hours.

This can be best understood by the expression 'going numb with shock' where the person shows no acute reaction to what they are witnessing or experiencing.

Warm moistened air was used gently, to simulate the alien breathing down your neck; and forcefully, to induce a more acute reaction from the audience.

Studies support the safety of antivenom, with around a 5% chance of an acute reaction, 12% of anaphylaxis and 10% chance of a delayed reaction due to serum sickness.

Temporary anxiety, fear and stress are normal, but when such acute reactions become chronic they can wreak havoc on immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, and the brain.